I am a Bishkek-based storyteller, civic activist, media expert, and journalist. I have written for several domestic and international news outlets such as The Diplomat, Novastan, Sputnik Kyrgyzstan, the IWPR's Central Asia section.
Latest posts by Aigerim Turgunbaeva
Digital education lags behind as Kyrgyzstan’s schools lack access
As the government attempts to provide education online or on TV, both children and teachers suffer from a lack of access to internet and devices.
What is the Kurultai: Kyrgyzstan's political body based on an ancient nomadic tradition
In an effort to strengthen control over the political process, the Kyrgyz leadership brought back the Kurultai, an institution centered around traditional values.
What Kyrgyzstan’s hasty transition to presidential governance says about the state of its democracy
Since its government fell last October, Kyrgyzstan has experienced a political whirlwind, with January elections consolidating the interim leader's position and a referendum that changed its system of governance.
Post-election protests spark another revolution in Kyrgyzstan
Opposition protesters enraged at electoral fraud have seized government buildings. The Prime Minister and other key figures have resigned. The electoral commission has annulled official results "to prevent tension".
Kyrgyzstan's journalists fear yet another hurdle to freedom of speech
Kyrgyzstan's parliament has passed a law against "manipulating information." Given their recent experiences, it's no surprise that the country's journalists worry what it might mean for freedom of speech.
Kyrgyzstan's civil society mobilises to fight COVID-19
As Kyrgyzstan struggles with the economic fallout of the coronavirus, ordinary citizens are organising on an impressive scale — delivering food to the poor and surgical masks to doctors.
